Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Amp : Review

Normal

Input 1 and 2

The only difference is the gain. The first provides 6dB more than the second, more suitable for pre-amplified instruments. If used simultaneously, they are identical.

Normal/Bright

Press this button to boost high frequencies.

Volume

It modifies the loudness.

Channel 2

Drive

It adjusts the gain level. Use it together with Master to modify the volume.

More Drive

A button to boost the Gain level.

Master

The volume.

Common controls

Treble, Middle, Bass

This is the equalization section.

Reverb

The effect volume.

Presence

It works after the distortion circuitry. It adds a greater amount of treble.

Pre Out/Power In

You can use these two jacks in different ways. For example, like a Send and Return for the effects, for recording or if you want to use another pre.

Let's see how it works

Clean

It is excellent. Sweet, warm and rich. Much round and pleasant. It can deliver an excellent Jazz tone, but not only. The Reverb is good, but only if you keep it below 3.

Distortion

Rock or Blues. This is its nature. The Overdrive is rather good. It can produce a valid Blues Crunch, but only with a low reverb quantity. My opinion is that the original speaker is cheap. If you play with distortion most of your time, the best thing to make is the substitution of the speaker, or you will never get a great distortion. You can play Blues, classic Rock or Country, but not Metal. The More Drive button is unusable. Too much noisy and harsh.

Conclusions

Let's say one thing. This Hot Rod Deluxe can satisfy or not. It depends on what and how you play. What is sure is that you need a good guitar, or it will never play well. With a quality instrument, it can make a good job. Perhaps the most intelligent thing is to try it before buying. If you like it i believe that the price, approximately 750 Euros, can be considered good.